Last year, EMHS' Institute for Medical Improvement, EMMC's CancerCare of Maine, the Breast and Osteoporosis Center, and Robert Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist, initiated a pilot program created to assist breast cancer survivors with their transition from acute care back to their primary care physician. The program was funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure Maine Affiliate and has been granted another year of funding. Recently, the program was moved from EMHS to the Center for Clinical Research at EMMC.
Research has shown that during acute treatment, breast cancer patients often face many complex medical and life decisions. They are deeply engaged with care providers throughout this challenging time. At the end of this stage of treatment, many patients experience uncertainty, a sense of loss, confusion and concern over what comes next, and questions about who is responsible for their continued healthcare.
"The patient and their oncologist develop a strong bond during the acute phase of treatment," explained Alan Currie, MD, Husson Internal Medicine. "It is important for the primary care physician (PCP) to be involved also, if only from a distance, during that part of treatment. After the acute phase of treatment the PCP and the patient need to feel comfortable with the transition of care from oncology to care based in the PCP office. When the oncologist, the PCP, and the patient concur on the best treatment plan, everyone is satisfied that the best ongoing care is being provided."
"Cancer is a chronic illness – although there are treatments that cure or diminish cancer progression– survivorship has to be conceptualized as a long-term management process," Dr. Ferguson explained. "The medical community has made strides with diabetes and managing it as a chronic illness and the same approach is taking place for cancer. There needs to be better coordination between the oncologist and the primary care physician; it's a team effort. Coordinating testing and follow-up monitoring, managing side effects, and overall general health is critical to survivorship care quality and improved efficiency."
Once a patient reaches the right time in her treatment, she is offered the opportunity to participate in the Breast Cancer Survivorship Coach/Navigation pilot program. The program pairs each breast cancer survivor with a "coach-navigator" who guides them through reclaiming their life as a survivor and transitioning from oncology back to their primary care physician.
Nancy San Antonio, RN, BSN, Breast & Osteoporosis Center nurse educator, is one of the coaches for the program. "I have found this role as coach personally satisfying. It is an honor when another person allows you to share their personal journey in their survivorship of breast cancer. It also gives me a much better perspective in my nursing role of the challenges our patients face physically, emotionally, and socially after diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer."
For more information about the treatment options for breast cancer, contact your primary care provider or Nadine Bullion at CancerCare of Maine (973-7476). |
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